RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft have conducted a mission with France's air force in a combined operation targeting an underground arms cache in Syria used by the Daesh militant organization, per a report from the British defence ministry.
The location, identified by surveillance, was believed to be containing munitions and bombs, the release indicated, and was positioned in hills just to the north of the historic site of Palmyra in central Syria.
"The RAF jets used laser-guided Paveway IV weapons to hit a several entry passages leading to the site... initial indications indicate the strike was effective," the MoD said.
There was no sign of any civilian casualties in the strike conducted Saturday night and all the aircraft made a safe return, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon FGR4s were backed up by a Voyager refuelling tanker.
The Islamic State group - referred to as the so-called Islamic State - established jihadist rule over significant areas in Iraq and Syria before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This action shows British leadership, and resolve to work closely with our allies, to eradicate any re-emergence of the terrorist group and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the region," Britain's Defence Chief John Healey stated.
RAF aircraft have performed surveillance missions over Syrian airspace to "deter any efforts to regroup" of the group subsequent to its routing at the climactic battle in Baghuz in the year 2019, the MoD reported.
"I extend gratitude to all the members of our armed forces who took part in this strike for their skill and their bravery," the Defence Secretary added. "They were part of a great many British troops deployed over the festive period. This mission, to take out dangerous terrorists who pose a risk to our security, demonstrates how UK forces are prepared to act, throughout the year, ensuring Britain's security at home and influential overseas."
During December, the American forces executed what it described as a "large-scale strike" targeting Islamic State objectives in Syria, after an ambush killed two US troops and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations estimates Daesh still maintains roughly 5-7 thousand fighters in both countries.
